TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Tuesday (Dec. 26) announced 326 new domestic cases of COVID-19 for the week of Dec. 19-25, with 99% of the newly infected individuals not having received the XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine.
The CDC also reported a rise in fatalities from the previous week with 37 deaths, of which 97% had not been vaccinated with the XBB vaccine.
According to the CDC, the domestic COVID-19 situation is worsening, with 78% of complications and 90% of deaths from the disease affecting people over the age of 65. The global positivity rate for COVID-19 is at its peak, with cases also rising in neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
Since the introduction of the XBB vaccine in Taiwan on Sept. 26, almost all domestically reported cases of complications and fatalities have been among unvaccinated individuals, the CDC stated.
The CDC affirms the protective role of the vaccine, citing recent Dutch research that found the XBB vaccine to be over 70% effective against severe infection in the elderly.
To date, the domestic rollout of the XBB vaccine totaled 769,000 doses. The week of Dec. 19-25 saw an uptake of 68,600 doses, a two-month peak, and a 34.5% increase from the previous week's 51,000.
A daily record was set on Dec. 25 with 12,964 doses administered, indicating a growing willingness among the public to be vaccinated.
The CDC urges everyone to wear a mask at end-of-year gatherings and New Year's activities, especially when in crowded, poorly ventilated places or in close contact with the elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Those displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, or sore throat should seek medical attention promptly and rest at home.